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 Champs Elysees is the most prestigious and
broadest avenues in Paris and is called Avenue des Champs Elysees.
Champs Elysees was originally fields and markets until 1616 when
Marie de Medici decided to extend the garden axis of Tui Lie Ries
with an avenue of trees.
In 1724, TuiLieRies garden and the avenue
were connected and extended leading beyond the place De Letoile and
Champs Elysees had become a promenade with tall trees kissing the
horizon. The green shelter made it easier for walkers to stroll
around at their own wish. It is believed that queen Marie Antionette
drove with her friends and took music lessons at one of the royal
houses here.
Elysees palace is the grandest of the garden houses
built along Faubourge Saint Honore. It became a property of the city
in 1828 when fountains, footpaths were added. It was illuminated by
then. In 1994, it was widened with large granite side walks. Famous
military parades pass through it.
Because of the exorbitant rent , it is occupied only by offices and
corporate houses. The splendid architecture of the Champs Elysees is
beyond description.
The Presidential palace – Palais d’ Elysees and the grand palace is
a tourist trap. While waltzing and gaping at the world famous shops
under the canopy of trees , we can see an open air Marionette
Theatre for children, a French tradition popular through the ages.
It is shoppers delight which dishes out treschic items. Benetton,
Disney Store, Continental, Europe’s largest gap and Virgin Mega
Store as well as Sephora, Lancome, L’oreal occupy major space.
It is a home for luxury brands and one must visit Champs Elysees
from November to December to marvel at its illumination for
Christmas and New Year. The shimmering lights on the either side of
the road and glowing lamps on the trees made me feel whether the
leaves have changed their colour. There is an unending human and
vehicular traffic even at night. During the Christmas eve, the shops
are flooded with buyers who are intoxicated by the fragrance of
French perfumes.
I curiously visited each and every shop to catch the glimpse of its
wonder products. Reluctantly, I left Champs Elysees and proceeded
towards Versailles.
(To be continued)
Usha Raja
usharaja60@hotmail.com
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